No dessert could be simpler than the Ice Cream Sundae — a scoop of ice cream, a sweet topping, and the ubiquitous whipped cream and cherry at the top. But icons are never really that simple, and, perhaps more than any other dish, the Sundae is an American icon.

Like people, nations are what they eat. More than any other native dish, the Ice Cream Sundae is an essential reminder of the American genius for invention, passion for indulgence, and reputation for wackiness. The French may have given refinement to ice cream with their coupes and parfaits, but it took American excess and ingenuity to create the Sundae. It's as messy and irresistible as democracy itself.

Author Michael Turback (A Month of Sundaes, The Banana Split Book) is one of the country's leading ice cream industry consultants and a respected authority on ice cream history. His works have been reviewed in publications as diverse as Good Housekeeping and Playboy. He's appeared on dozens of radio talk shows including NPR's Talk of the Nation. He was interviewed by Charles Grodin for "60 Minutes II," and made Sundaes just off New York City's Fifth Avenue with Jane Clayson on the "CBS Early Show."

About the Author
Michael Turback is an accomplished restaurateur, wine judge, online retailer, marketing consultant, and food historian. A consultant who has survived and thrived through some very interesting career turns, he has a proven success record at bringing fresh, original and creative solutions to the most competitive challenges in marketing, promotion, communications, internet retailing, business image refinement, and concept development. More about Michael.

Ithaca's Gift to the World
The most enlightened town in America, according to the Utne Reader, is Ithaca, New York, so you shouldn't be surprised that the ingenious dessert was invented here, way back in 1892. Enterprising author Michael Turback traces the Sundae's conception, its birth and disputed paternity. Read all about it.

Sundae Wars
It started as a friendly rivalry between Ithaca, New York, and Two Rivers, Wisconsin, both laying claim to having served the first ice cream sundae. Two Rivers composed a fight song, then Ithaca responded with an official proclamation. It was just a matter of time before "Sundae Wars" became national news. Follow the story.

Send a Virtual Ice Cream Sundae
Friend or colleague facing a trying day? Here's how to put a smile on someone's face! E-mail them a Sundae-gram.

Visit the Online Confectionery
IceCreamSundae.com has partnered with The NEW YORK FIRST Company, the Internet's first department store. Enter here for the most complete selection of Sundae supplies, Soda Fountain Giftware, Hand-Made Chocolates and Divine Desserts.